New IRA arrests shows importance of continuing cross border cooperation – Richmond

Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has congratulated the Police Service of Northern Ireland and their partners on the arrest of nine suspects believed to be associated with the terrorist New IRA organisation.

Deputy Richmond stressed that these arrests show the importance of continuing cross border co-operation between the PSNI and our own Garda Síochána.

He said, “Violent dissident Republicans are a stain on the very fabric of society across this island, these arrests by the PSNI are extremely welcome and play a key part in keeping our island peaceful in this post Good Friday Agreement era.

“The New IRA have blood on their hands and it is vital that any activity associated with this evil organisation is quashed as society turns its back on dissident violence.

“These arrests show that the peace on this island is a fragile one and it should never be taken for granted.

“It is therefore vital that there is continuing levels of co-operation between the PSNI and our own Garda Síochána in targeting dissident terrorists.

“Brexit may have brought a great deal of uncertainty to the future of relations between the UK and the EU as a whole but on this island, nothing should stop the continuing work of both police forces and related agencies in making sure the spectre of terrorist violence does not return to our streets.

“The importance of justice and security co-operation measures across five key areas including the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), policing, prosecution co-operation, and data- sharing tools are vitally important in this regard.

“Whatever outcomes may emerge from the ongoing Brexit negotiations, we must ensure that the State is prepared to act quickly to ensure continuing cross border cooperation at every level but particularly policing,” Deputy Richmond concluded.